CO Communications Manager

Responsibilities:

The Communications Manager is responsible for developing and implementing public affairs and media relations strategies to promote the No Kid Hungry Colorado's plan to end childhood hunger in Colorado, providing strategic communications support for both the access and education (Cooking Matters) arms of the No Kid Hungry (NKH) Colorado campaign. In close coordination with the national office and Hunger Free Colorado, the Manager will oversee the No Kid Hungry Colorado and Colorado Cooking Matters websites, and the creation of media, online and designed material content. The Communications Manager will work with the Colorado and DC teams to assist in reinforcing the No Kid Hungry campaign brand identity through visual and graphic support via various mechanisms.

Major Responsibilities will include:

Work closely with the Share Our Strength communications, policy and program teams in the DC office to create and implement communications strategies that support key programs in Colorado, including NKH and Cooking Matters. The Communications Manager will support both the Denver Metro office, as well as satellite team members across the state.
Secure state and local news coverage for the No Kid Hungry Colorado and Cooking Matters Colorado activities and mission.
Cultivate and maintain media relationships with state and local news contacts.
Serve as the first point of contact for all media requests in Colorado and identify the appropriate spokesperson.
Craft press releases, op eds, LTEs, blogs, talking points, presentations and other written pieces in support of communications strategies.
Create and implement best practices around managing and selecting audience lists, ensuring that lists are up to date and targeted.
Manage public affairs consultants/agencies for Colorado-specific projects; work with internal and external designers, on-line specialists, and other specialists to ensure effective development of campaign materials and coordination of communications strategies.
Implement social media strategies, including writing and updating electronic messaging including web copy, e-newsletters, and social network messaging.
Work with the DC office and Hunger Free Colorado to develop a communications plan for the No Kid Hungry Colorado campaign; Work with the DC office and the Cooking Matters Colorado team to develop a communications plan
In close coordination with the DC office, develop a supplemental work plan for leveraging the Colorado Pledgetaker list through email campaigns that are Colorado-specific and provide pledgetakers opportunities to engage in our work. This includes developing a calendar to schedule the release of emails coordinating the resulting work flow that is needed in order to execute them from the concept state through completion.
Implement and code Cooking Matters Colorado emails as necessary, preparing them for delivery.
Lead quality control/proofing and a review process to ensure that all materials have been screened for a high degree of accuracy and professional image.
Coordinate branding, messaging and media outreach efforts with Hunger Free Colorado (the lead state partner for No Kid Hungry Colorado) to ensure consistent messaging, and to avoid the duplication of efforts and/or mixed messages.
Build a report structure for tracking and evaluating the performance of media coverage, including media reports, media summaries and other reports
Build a report structure for tracking and evaluating the performance of Cooking Matters Colorado email campaigns, including testing, performance metrics and revenue implications. Manage and design a testing regimen to ensure timing, subject lines, and content are optimized.
Manage development of graphics and artwork for the Cooking Matters Colorado website in coordination with input from the DC team.
Manage consistency of the No Kid Hungry brand across content developed (media materials, email campaigns, designed materials, online content, etc.)
Support the promotion of various other Share Our Strength platforms and events in Colorado, including but not limited to Great American Bake Sale, Chefs Up Front, Taste of the Nation, No Kid Hungry dinners and Dine Out
Adhere to the No Kid Hungry style guide and messaging guide
Other duties as required and assigned.
Reports to: Colorado State Director

Location: Denver, CO

Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree from a four-year college or university in communications, marketing, public relations or related discipline and 4+ years of experience.
Hands-on experience working with local, regional and/or national media including traditional print, radio and television reporters and producers; Relationships with Colorado reporters a plus.
Experience writing press releases, website copy, talking points, radio and television spots and newsletter articles.
Experience planning media events which may include pitching media, working with high-profile spokespersons and elected officials, writing talking points, leading event logistics, writing press kits contents and other event logistics.
Expertise in use of social media.
Excellent persuasive communication skills—written and verbal.
Public affairs, press secretary, media, or political experience strongly preferred.
Highly organized with the ability to handle multiple projects and priorities while coordinating work flow in a deadline-driven and service-focused environment.
Ability to meet tight deadlines and handle challenging situations with grace.
Experience working with and managing external partners and vendors.
Proven understanding of online marketing terms and processes.
Experience tracking and evaluating media coverage; Experience with CisionPoint a plus.
Must be proficient in Microsoft Office applications. Experience with specific graphic design applications including Adobe Creative Suite elements is a requirement. Experience working with content management systems and Convio strongly preferred.
Must be proactive and a self-starter. Excellent problem-solving and implementation skills.
Strong interpersonal skills, including ability to maintain strong professional relationships with a range of groups, volunteers and associates both in person and by writing/phone.
Availability to work occasional evenings and weekends, as well as travel across the state.
Bilingual candidates encouraged to apply.
Driver's license and car required.
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To Apply:

Submit resume, cover letter, and salary requirements to: jobs@strength.org. Reference job title "CO Communications Manager" in the subject line. No calls please. Equal Opportunity Employer.